Rayong Rundown

The Gulf of Thailand is a consistent hive of holiday activity for millions of domestic and international tourists. The paradisal corner of Southeast Asia was one of the first mainstays on the backpacker circuit and, decades and wave after wave of development later, still manages to make good on the whole tropical beach idyll promise. As a convenient escape from workaday cares close to the urban hegemony of Bangkok, you can hardly improve your lot here. Some of the best holiday targets in Thailand dot the area, from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, Koh Chang to Pattaya, Koh Tao to Hua Hin. If virile coral reefs, polychromatic marine life, island gems and lively towns seem like a good respite from the daily grind and, indeed, from Bangkok, why not consider a short trip south of the capital city?

Rayong Province, a lush entryway to the natural wonders of the Gulf of Thailand, has plenty of innate charm. Rayong, the small eponymous capital of 55,000 people, is a popular gateway to Ko Samet (Koh Samed), the incomparable island home of Diamond Beach (Hat Sai Kaeo) and the white sands of Ao Phutsa and Ao Wong Duean. Though the vast majority of visitors pass by Rayong to fulfill beach bliss on the shores of the gulf, the province delivers enough telltale beauty to linger for a spell. Consider, for one, a parade of venerable temples, endless orchards of aromatic tropical fruit and the caves and exotic fauna and flora of Khao Chamao/Khao Wong National Park. All this within three hours of Bangkok.

Rayong's Top 10

10. Si Mueang Park, a former execution site for prisoners, is much more family-friendly now than in times past.

Loy Krathong is a national holiday in Thailand that takes place sometime in November. In Rayong Province the festival includes a venerable Thot Pha Pa Klang Nam (Waterborne Robe Offering Ceremony) at the mouth of the Prasae River.

Sunthon Phu Day, on June 26, pays homage to the foremost Thai poet.

When To Go

While Rayong enjoys a similar tropical climate to Bangkok, the province swelters less than the linchpin capital metropolis. A mild wet season sweeps in from May to October and temperatures hold between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C) for the year, on average.

Like clockwork, the minute the monsoon rains peter out in October swarms of domestic tourists rush south from Bangkok to the low coastal plains of Rayong. As such, visitors who desire some peace may want to time a foray to coincide with the start or tail end of the wet season and risk a deluge or two. Weekdays tend to be much less chaotic.

Getting Around

Rayong is approximately 110 mi (177 km) south of Bangkok. The journey takes about three hours, either by taxi, private car or bus. Traffic in the vicinity of the city may precipitate significant delays, however.

One alternative is to fly in to Utapao International Airport in Sattahip on the Gulf of Thailand. The hub serves Rayong and Pattaya and connects with the likes of Bangkok, Ko Samui and Phuket, in addition to charters from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei and Tokyo.

Motorcycle rental is a popular mode of transport for intrepid tourists in Thailand and Rayong is no exception. Taxis, more affordable on weekdays, ply the province at large and public bus service is dependable in the city.

Rayong General Information

The Gulf of Thailand is a perpetual hot spot and desirable destination for millions of domestic and international tourists. The idyllic enclave of Southeast Asia, after all, consistently delivers on the promise of a tropical beach escape, far away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Indeed, from Koh Phangan to Pattaya, Koh Tao to Hua Hin, Koh Chang to Koh Samui, the Gulf of Thailand serves up one emblematic jewel after another. Vivid marine life, coral reefs, lush islands and vibrant towns all coalesce to form one of the most enviable curls of shoreline on the planet.

Rayong, the capital of Rayong Province, is a superlative gateway between Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. Most notably however, the small city of 55,000 people is a platform to Koh Samed (or alternatively, Ko Samet). The exquisite island captivates countless visitors to Thailand every year and is a vital exemplar of the Gulf of Thailand’s potential as a travel destination. For upscale, tidy beach resorts and brilliant white sand, Koh Samed is why most people pass through Rayong. A mere 195 km southeast of Bangkok and 25 km north of Koh Samed, Rayong is a useful stop between fairer climes. A few points of interest linger in town, from the Rayong Turtle Conservation Centre to Rayong Aquarium.

Attractions & ActivitiesAttractions

Rayong Turtle Conservation Centre

Rayong Aquarium

Suphattra Land

Ko Samet

Ban Phe

Activities

Dive Sites

Tapong Fruit Market

Bangkok Opera

Bangkok Songkran Festival

Bangkok Rajamangala National Stadium

Restaurants & NightlifeRestaurants

Panorama Restaurant

Sirikan

Rabeang Bar

Jep’s

Bamboo Restaurant

Nightlife

Tok Bar

Silver Sand Bar

Naga Bar

Bar Wizards Cafe

Coyoty Bar

ClimateClimate

Rayong has a tropical climate, with a mild wet season from May to October and temperatures between 21°C and 32°C.

Breakfast valuable

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Family long weekend getaway

Easy to find straight across the street from a great beach.
pool is on 3rd floor with easy access from our rooms.
staff were very good. Had a small problem with air conditioning which was fixed...

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Prices reflect the lowest "base rate" found over the next 30 days. Rates are subject to change and may not include taxes and fees, hotel service charges, extra person charges, or incidentals, such as room service. Converted rates are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency. Taxes may be payable in addition.